Ahead of the summit scheduled for August 15 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union leaders have urged Trump to prioritize and defend Europe's security interests, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU's appeal reflects concerns over the absence of European representation at the summit and the potential implications for regional security. French experts and former officials have characterized the meeting as highly risky, likening it to a Cold War scenario and expressing skepticism about the prospects for peace. Yves Jégo, a former French minister, emphasized the need for a united European front in response to Trump's approach. Geopolitical analyst Frédéric Encel noted differing perceptions of what constitutes a final victory among the involved parties. The EU's call aims to influence the dialogue between Trump and Putin amid heightened tensions in the region.